Annamay McNally

Mid Ulster District Council is to make adaptations to part of a kerb at Irish Street in Dungannon, which, despite being included in the £2.3 million Public Realm Scheme, was not accessible to disabled users.

The problem came to light after a woman who suffers from a disability told local SDLP councillor, Denise Mullen, that she was unable to manouevre her mobility scooter from the disabled parking bay on to the kerb.

It is understood the kerb on the opposite side of the street is fully compliant with the appropriate disabled access.

When contacted by the TIMES, a spokesperson for the Council said the disabled bay had been part of the first phase of Dungannon’s Public Realm Scheme, which was completed eight months ago.

“One of the disabled bays at Irish Street does not have a dropped kerb”, the spokeswoman continued.

“This issue has been passed on to the Phase 1 Design Team.”

Cllr Denise Mullen said she has met with representatives from the Council to progress the necessary work to bring the kerb up to the proper standards.

“A lady who uses a mobility scooter had contacted me to say she was trying to get from the corner of Irish Street across the road”, Cllr Mullen explained.

“Because there is no dropped kerb at that location, she was having trouble doing that.

“It was only thanks to a few passersby that the lady was assisted in being lifted up to the kerb.”

Cllr Mullen said the lack of a dropped kerb “was an oversight” during the first phase of the Public Realm Scheme.

Work on the next stage of the scheme is due to start this month. It will focus on Scotch Street, Thomas Street, Perry Street, Anne Street, Thomas Street, Georges Street, William Street and Northland Row.